Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met on Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in Dubai.
Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, the official spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency said the two leaders exchanged views on ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two friendly countries, in light of the strategic nature of these ties in various fields.
Fahmy said the meeting also touched on international and regional issues, especially climate change, as well as the escalation in the Gaza Strip, where the two presidents exchanged views regarding the recent developments.
“In this regard, the President reviewed Egypt’s vision on the need for a ceasefire and the expansion of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Fahmy said, pointing to Egypt’s efforts to receive the injured Palestinians and the evacuation of foreign nationals.
According to him, the two leaders agreed on the importance of finding urgent solutions to the ongoing crisis and moving to ensure the access of humanitarian aid.
“They also stressed the importance of launching a comprehensive political process to reach a just settlement for the Palestinian cause on the basis of a two-state solution in accordance with the relevant international references.
Meeting with Sunak
The President also met with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on the sidelines of COP28.
The meeting highlighted ways to enhance bilateral co-operation and political coordination. Counsellor Fahmy said the two leaders also exchanged views on various topics of common interest.
Fahmy said discussions touched on developments in climate action in light of COP28, which is currently being held in Dubai, in addition to developments in the Gaza Strip.
The presidential spokesman said Sunak praised Egypt’s relentless efforts in this regard, especially aimed at delivering humanitarian relief to Gaza.
IMF talks
Earlier on Thursday, the President Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Counselor Fahmy said the meeting focused on relations between Egypt and the IMF, especially in light of the ongoing co-operation programme to complete the implementation of Egyptian economic reform.
“In this regard, the President expressed appreciation for the fruitful partnership between the two sides, stressing the Egyptian government’s keenness on the continuation of co-operation, given the positive climate offered to all investors,” Fahmy said, pointing out to investment opportunities as well as Egypt’s determination to continue its structural reforms related to financial and monetary policies, aimed at maximising the private sector’s role.
Fahmy said Georgieva stressed the IMF’s aspiration to continue the distinguished co-operation with Egypt in a bid to support its economic reforms, praising in this regard the performance of the Egypt’s economy and the flexibility and steadfastness it has shown in the face of the negative repercussions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and the conditions in Gaza.
“She said the Fund would continue to strengthen joint work with the government to achieve Egypt’s national goals and improve the overall economic indicators, to increase competitiveness, to deepen the private sector’s participation in development,” he said.
The meeting also touched on the issue of climate change and financing climate action, especially in developing countries, as well as the global economic situation and ongoing efforts to reform and develop the international financing system to meet toughening global challenges.
